fix Hide Protected Operating System Files option missing in Windows 7

How to fix “Hide Protected Operating System Files” option missing in Windows 7

In Windows, files with the hidden and system properties are not view able by default. These hidden files are not view able even if the show files and folders option is enabled in Folder and search options. To view these files, one needs to disable hide protected operating system files under View tab in Folder Options.

There are two ways to do this. Here I will show you two methods:

1st method

1. Go to any folder in your computer and go to its folder options.

Folder and search options

2. After going to Folder Options, switch to View tab.

View tab

3. Now search for Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.

Hide option

4. If the option mentioned above isn’t present in your system you have to download a fix from this link.

Download from here

5. Extract the package to get the registry editor file, double click on it

Registry Editor file

6. When prompted with a message as shown below press yes.

Registry Fix

7. Now open the folder options and search for the option of hide protected system files.

Folder and search Registry Fixed

8. Uncheck the box and click on Apply and OK.

2nd Method

1. Press Windows key and R key simultaneously to open the run dialog.

Run dialog

2. In the Run dialog type regedit.exe and press enter to start the registry editor. If the UAC prompts, press Yes.

Registry Editor

3. Go to the following location

Advanced Folder Options in Registry

4. In the right hand side,right click and create a new D-WORD(32 bit) value .

New D-Word

5. Name the new D-WORD value CheckedValue and set the value to “0”.( “0” is set by default).

Checked Value

6. Close the registry editor and open the windows explorer and go to the folder and search options. You will see the option is there under the View tab in the folder and search option.

Anik is an IT professional and Data Science Enthusiast. He loves to spend a lot of time testing and reviewing the latest gadgets and software. He likes all things tech and his passion for smartphones is only matched by his passion for Sci-Fi TV Series.